Concealment Holster for a Weapon

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a specialized holster design and system. The holster disclosed herein is intended to be used by an individual to carry a handgun on his or her person in such a way that the weapon may be partially or completely out of view, securely in place yet immediately available to be drawn from the holster when needed. The holster is variable in ways that also allow the user to make adjustments for comfort and tactical preferences. Once the weapon is drawn the holster remains open allowing one handed re-holstering. Among other attributes, four key features enable in part its broad ranges of functions. These four are the unique outer coating, the retention qualities, fold out attachment tab, and the particularly angled clip. The design enables a novel lightweight holster form fitted to the weapon and maintained securely in place firmly against the user&#39;s body in a concealed manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS & CONTINUITY DATA

This application claims the benefit of provisional application61/720,941 filed Oct. 31, 2012, hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGAPPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

N/A

1. Background of the Invention

Concealed carry of a handgun requires that the user be able to carryfrom different positions, maintain security in retaining the weapon andprovide the ability to draw the weapon quickly when needed. Otherholsters are too bulky and do not conceal properly, lack sufficientpositional adjustment, do not allow for the proper firing grip on theweapon prior to the draw, are difficult to put on and take off, lack anecessary range of tension adjustment for retaining the weapon, do notremain open for one handed re-holstering, move around during active use,and do not force the holster close to the body for maximum concealment.Additionally most are not specifically designed to each weapon type, andlack additional capabilities and features. Thus, there remains aconsiderable need for single device that effectively accomplishes thesefunctions. The claimed invention differs from what currently exists andthe preferred embodiments provide the best combination of all necessaryfeatures for an adaptable deep concealment holster. The invention isunique in how it achieves this.

2. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to firearm carry devices and systems and firearmaccessories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The holster disclosed herein is intended to be used by an individual tocarry a handgun on his or her person in such a way that the weapon maybe partially or completely out of view, securely in place, and yetimmediately available to be drawn from the holster when needed. Theholster is variable in ways that also allow the user to make adjustmentsfor comfort and tactical preferences. Once the weapon is drawn theholster remains open allowing a one handed re-holster of the weapon. Keyelements enabling in part its function are the unique outer coating, theretention system, the attachment tab, and the particularly angled clip.

The holsters integrated, laminated non-slip outer coating andconstruction improves comfort and reduces carry position movement byaiding in the secure placement of the rig during activity via theexterior material texture. While held in place on the user's person, theholster further possesses unique retention qualities, carried out by theform fitting geometry of the holster's molded body in relation to theweapon shape, combined with its secure permanent closure point and itstension adjustment mechanism (FIGS. 1-3 show specific embodimentscontaining these elements). These parameters are unique in theircombination as they relate to each specific weapon. This allows aconstant secure fit of the holster to the weapon while still allowing arange of adjustment thereby varying the holsters retentive qualitieswithout a reduction in security. The fold out, integrated attachment tabminimizes bulk, enables mounting of multiple accessories, and allowsflexible positioning of the mounting accessories. The mounting clipincorporates a negative angle designed to force the holster closer tothe body. This improves the conceal-ability and the stability of theholster without increasing the bulk. The mounting clips also havemultiple mounting points further increasing the range of carry optionsand adjustments.

Thus, as described, the mounting clip, the fold out tab, the uniqueretention qualities in combination with the outer coating enable a novellightweight holster device form fitted to the weapon and able to besecurely maintained in place firmly against the users body in aconcealed manner yet allow for rapid removal and replacement of theweapon with a single hand if needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.

In FIG. 1, element 1 refers to the molded body portion of the holster.Element 2 refers to the attachment tab, which may have a number of holes(shown) in which the screw (or other items) may be placed to secure theclip. Element 3 points to a portion of the geometrically fitted shape ofthe holster matching the weapon it holds. Element 4 shows the locationof the top of the screw utilized for tension adjustments. Element 5points to the joining point of the two ends of the molded body pieceonce folded over.

In FIG. 2, element 1 points to the weapon, a handgun, inserted into theholster. Element 2 refers to the clip, positioned at a negative angle.Element 3 points to a tension adjustment screw and element 4 points to asecond adjustment screw. Elements 5 refer to a portion of thegeometrically fitted shape of the holster in reference to the firearm itcontains. Element 6 points to the molded body folded over to create theholster.

In FIG. 3, element 1 is the firearm inserted into the holster. Element 2refers to the clip positioned at a negative angle as described herein.Element 3 points to screws on the lower portion of the clip. Element 4refers to a portion of the geometrically fitted molded holster body.Element 5 refers to the expanded loop in the upper portion of thenegatively angled clip. Element 6 shows the second clip of thisembodiment. Element 7 refers to a second screw on the opposite side orsecuring a clip. Element 8 shows one the screw holes available forattachment. Element 9 refers to the molded body piece of the holster.

In FIG. 4, multiple views of one embodiment of the negatively angledclip are shown. Element 1, points to the location of the bend of theclip which creates the negative angle. Element 2 shows the tab in whichsome embodiments of the clip may be actuated by.

FIG. 5 shows the negative angled clip and how it is oriented withrespect to a vertical axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein is a specialized holster in preferred embodiments forcarrying a firearm on one's person in such a way that the weapon ispotentially out of view, securely in place and yet immediately availableto be drawn from the holster when needed. Various embodiments of theholster may be variable in ways that also allow the user to makeadjustments for comfort and carry in a specific manner for tactical andor personal preference reasons. Various attachments may be easily put onor taken off of the user and multiple embodiments may be deployed. Oncethe weapon is drawn the holster remains open allowing a one handedre-holster of the weapon. As detailed herein, concealed carry of ahandgun requires that the user be able to carry from differentpositions, maintain security in retaining the weapon in place in itsholster as well as provide the ability to draw the weapon quickly whenneeded. The invention claimed here accomplishes these parameters in anovel manner.

The holster has an integrated, laminated non-slip outer coating (element9 in FIG. 3) and construction which improves comfort and reduces carryposition movement by aiding in the secure placement of the rig duringactivity via the exterior material texture. This texture and the surfacetension created between it and the user's garments or body (and in someembodiments the pressure applied by the normal shooters belt) is adistinct advantage and improvement on previous designs. Lamination ofthis material to a molded holster body enables the holster to remainopen after the weapon is removed and allows for one handed, blind,re-holstering of the weapon. This has many advantages, includingimproving safety and expanding the scope of use by adding versatility tothe holster's potential applications. The weapon can be removed from theholster without any means of un-securing the weapon from the holstersuch as a strap or other type of fastener. Herein, un-securing refers toopening, unfastening, unlocking, unlatching, undoing any type of straps,buttons, fasteners, or any other type of release mechanism used toremove a weapon after it has been secured inside the holster.

The body and the integrated, laminated, non-slip outer coating areformed using heat and pressure. In preferred embodiments the body isconstructed using a sheet type, thermal formed plastic. The non-slipcoating is laminated to the outside of this material during the moldingprocess. A precision two part mold is ideal to form and combine the twomaterials forcing the two together as the specific shape of the holsteris transferred from the mold to the materials. A layer of adhesive maybe used between these materials during molding to make the bondpermanent as in the preferred embodiment. Once the materials are bondedand formed in the mold the holster is trimmed, buffed and assembled withthe other components. These components may include rivets, fasteners,tension device parts, spacers and thermal formed mounting clip or clipsand others that would be recognized by those skilled in the art. Thethermal formed mounting clip is unique and in many embodimentscompliments all the essential features of the holster. The thermalformed mounting clip is formed in a separate mold.

The holster is ideally suited to be used by an individual to carry ahandgun on his or her person in such a way that the weapon issubstantially or completely out of view. It also remains stable andsecurely in place, yet it is immediately available to be drawn from theholster when needed. Key to the latter is the absence of straps or otherfasteners that hold a weapon in place and need to be undone to removethe weapon from the holster. The holster's various embodiments arevariable in ways that allow the user to make adjustments for comfort andcarry for a tactical reason or personal preference. The holster iseasily put on or taken off. Once the weapon is drawn the holster remainsopen allowing a one handed re-holster of the weapon. The ability of theholster to retain the weapon without any straps or other fasteners thatrequire release to draw the weapon, while at the same time remainingopen for easy (i.e., one handed) re-holstering is an important and novelfeature of the invention.

The holster possesses unique retention qualities, carried out by theform fitting geometry of the holster's molded body in relation to theweapon shape, combined with its secure permanent closure point and itstension adjustment mechanism. These parameters are unique in theircombination as they relate to each specific weapon, a key attribute ofthe current invention. This allows a constant secure fit of the holsterto the weapon while still allowing a range of adjustments, therebyvarying the holsters retentive qualities without a reduction insecurity. The adjustment may be facilitated by the loosening ortightening of a screw, or other equivalent device. The adjustment pointfor this screw in most embodiments is on the back side of the holster soas not to interfere with any mounting component. The holes on the clipmay be oval or oblong, such that they can vary the height up and down orleave room for small adjustments.

In one embodiment the holster [description of holster according to theabove and specifications for specific weapon]. The form fitting geometryof the molded holster in relation to the weapon shape, the securepermanent closure point and its tension adjustment mechanism, create aspecific distance across the opening of the holster at which a specificamount of pressure is applied ideally suited for a given weapon. [Buildout further with specifications for a given weapon]. In certainembodiments the geometric dimensions of the holster are equal to thegeometrical dimensions of the weapon it is designed to hold. In otherembodiments, the dimensions may be up to 10% smaller or larger than theweapon. The outer coating may be comprised of a synthetic material,leather, soft leather, and or have suede like characteristics. Asdescribed herein one function of the outer coating is to stabilize theholster on the user's person, therefore materials with a surface texturecreating friction against the users clothing are preferred. Suede typematerials are used in many embodiments for this reason. The holster maybe comprised of any moldable plastic, metal, or material that would berecognized by those skilled in the art.

The invention herein further comprises a fold out, integrated attachmenttab (shown in FIG. 1, element 2). Among other advantages andfunctionalities this minimizes bulk, enables multiple mountingaccessories, allows multiple positioning options for a mountingaccessories, allows additional carry accessories to be mounted andpositioned with and on the holster (such as but not limited to; amagazine carrier, a flashlight holder, a pocket or pouch of any kind,and many others recognizable by those of ordinary skill the art). Theattachment is created by “folding out” a section of the thermal plasticmaterial during or subsequent to the molding process while the materialis malleable.

Further disclosed as part of the invention herein is a mounting clip.The mounting clip incorporates a negative angle designed to force theholster closer to the body (See Figures). This improves theconceal-ability of the holster without increasing the bulk. Additionallythe clip may support a higher positional carry without compromising thepositional security of the holster in use. This may facilitate fasterweapon presentation from deep cover. This further works in conjunctionwith and improves the function and purpose of the non-slip outercoating. The mounting clips also have multiple mounting points furtherincreasing the range of carry options and adjustments. The mountingclips open and slide down over the belt and lock in place. The clip maybe actuated via a tab, and is flexed to open allowing installation orremoval from the belt without the user needing to remove or unbuckle thebelt.

Further key attributes of the various embodiments of the holster includeits minimum bulk, its multi-positional functionality, and its deepconcealment functionality. Its distinctive features enable the concealedcarry of a handgun from a variety of carry positions including forexample within the waistband or attached to the belt, while facilitatingthe acquisition of a full firing grip on the weapon prior to the draw.Inherent features given the attributes described herein are adjustmentsin the depth of carry, the angle of carry, the position of carry, thesecurity of the carry, and the location of the carry on the person.Adjustments are carried out in most embodiments via unique modularmounting points on the holster and the use of variable mountingcomponents. Combined they maximize function respective to the users:body type, deployment tactics and personal preferences. The holster isadaptive to varying operational environments and mission requirements.

The disclosed individual elements and features of the holster in it'sembodiments work to function together in such a manner as to enablespecialized performance of the holster well beyond what has beenavailable or found in the prior art. The holsters integrated, laminatednon-slip outer coating and construction improves comfort and reducescarry position movement by aiding in the secure placement of the rigduring activity via the exterior material texture. This texture and thesurface tension created between it, the users garments, body and thepressure applied by the normal shooters belt is a distinction overprevious designs. Lamination of this material to a molded holster bodyenables the holster to remain open after the weapon is removed andallows for one handed, blind, re-holstering of the weapon. While held inplace on the user's person, the holster further possesses uniqueretention qualities, carried out by the form fitting geometry of theholster's molded body in relation to the weapon shape, combined with itssecure permanent closure point and its tension adjustment mechanism.These parameters are unique in their combination as they relate to eachspecific weapon, a key attribute of the current invention. This allows aconstant secure fit of the holster to the weapon while still allowing arange of adjustment thereby varying the holsters retentive qualitieswithout a reduction in security. The adjustment may be facilitated bythe loosening or tightening of a screw or other equivalent means. Theadjustment point for this screw in most embodiments is on the back sideof the holster so as not to interfere with any mounting component. Thefold out, integrated attachment tab minimizes bulk, enables multiplemounting accessories, and allows a range positions for mountingaccessories. The mounting clip incorporates a negative angle designed toforce the holster closer to the body. This improves the conceal-abilityof the holster without increasing the bulk. This further supports ahigher positional carry without compromise to the positional security ofthe holster in use. This facilitates faster weapon presentations fromdeep cover and works in conjunction with and improves the function andpurpose of the non-slip outer coating. The mounting clips also havemultiple mounting points further increasing the range of carry optionsand adjustments. The mounting clips open and slide down over the beltand lock in place. The clip in one embodiment may be actuated via a tab,and is flexed to open allowing installation or removal from the beltwithout the user needing to remove or unbuckle the belt. Thus, asdescribed, the mounting clip, the fold out tab, the unique retentionqualities in combination with the outer coating enable a novellightweight holster device. The device is form fitted to the weapon andable to be securely maintained in place, while firmly against the user'sbody in a concealed manner. Yet, the device still allows for rapidremoval and replacement of the weapon with a single hand if needed.Further, the holster is modular in nature and allows for futuredevelopment of accessories and improved mounting clips with additionalfeatures that may offer an even greater range of adjustment, improvedstrength, and or variation in how they attach to the belt, garment orother gear. The holster offers multiple mounting points for varying theposition of the mounting clips or possible accessories. The Mountingclips likewise have multiple mounting points. The holster may beemployed for any number of devices including firearms, knives,flashlights, or any other item of interest.

The phrase “in one embodiment” is used repeatedly. The phrase generallydoes not refer to the same embodiment; however, it may. The terms“comprising,” “having” and “including” are synonymous, unless thecontext dictates otherwise. The following illustrations of variousembodiments use particular terms by way of example to describe thevarious embodiments, but this should be construed to encompass andprovide for terms such as “method” and “routine” and the like.

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described usingterms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments describedherein may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. Forpurposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurationsare set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of theillustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced withoutthe specific details. In other instances, well-known features areomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrativeembodiments.

The characteristics and utilities of the present invention described inthis summary and the detailed description below are not all inclusive.Many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art given the following description. There hasthus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof that followsmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated.

In this respect, by explaining at least one embodiment of the inventionin detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited inits application to the details of construction and to the arrangementsof the components set forth in the description. The invention is capableof other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in variousways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the description be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting as tothe scope of the invention in any way. The characteristics and utilitiesof the present invention described in this summary and the detaileddescription below are not all inclusive. Many additional features andadvantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art giventhe detailed description.

1. A concealed handgun holster comprising a form fitting body molded toa specific weapon, said form fitting body comprised of a single sheet offolded over material.
 2. The concealed handgun holster of claim 1,further comprising an outer coating secured to the form fitting body. 3.A concealed handgun holster comprising a retention system, saidretention system comprising the form fitting body of claim 1, and anadjustable means connecting two sides of said folded over material,wherein the retention qualities of the form fitting body are buffered bya laminated outer coating such that complete closure of the holsteropening is prevented when no weapon is present in the holster.
 4. Aconcealed handgun holster comprising a fold out attachment tab.
 5. Amounting clip positioned at a negative angle relative to the verticalaxis of a carry device such that the holster is forced against theuser's body.
 6. The clip of claim 5, wherein the clip is actuated viapressure on a tab, said pressure causing the clip to flex open allowinginstallation or removal from a user's garment.
 7. The clip of claim 6,wherein the negative angle of the clip is between 5 and 40 degrees, theclip further comprising a wider loop at it's top end, and a means forattaching to a carry device.
 8. A concealed handgun holster comprising:a form fitting body molded to a specific weapon comprised of a singlesheet of folded over material; an outer coating secured to said formfitting body; a retention system comprising said form fitting body sizedto secure a specific weapon, and an adjustable means connecting twosides of said folded over material, wherein the retention qualities ofthe form fitting body are buffered by the laminated outer coating suchthat complete closure of the holster opening is prevented when no weaponis present in the holster; and a fold out attachment tab.
 9. Claim 8,wherein the adjustable means is a comprised of a screw.
 10. The holsterof claim 8, wherein a two part mold is utilized to combine the outercoating and the molded body during the molding process such that the twomaterials are secured together as the specific weapon shape of the moldis transferred from the mold to the two materials.
 11. The holster ofclaim 10, wherein the holster retains a weapon without any meansrequiring un-securing said means to remove the weapon.
 12. The holsterof claim 11, wherein the attachment tab enables multiple mountingaccessories in multiple positions.
 13. The holster of claim 12, whereinthe clip is actuated via pressure on the tab, said pressure causing theclip to flex open allowing installation or removal from a user'sgarment.
 14. The holster of claim 13, wherein the geometrical dimensionsof the holster are [give specific weapon specifications, glock 19, etc]15. The holster of claim 13, wherein the geometrical dimensions of theholster are equal to or with 10% of the geometrical dimensions of theweapon it holds.
 16. The holster of claim 15, wherein the folded overmaterial is a thermal plastic, and the outer coating is comprised of anon-slip material.
 17. The holster of claim 16, wherein the outercoating is an integrated and laminated non-slip outer coating.
 18. Theholster of claim 17, wherein the holster retains a weapon without anymeans requiring un-securing said means to remove the weapon.
 19. Theholster of claim 18, wherein the attachment tab enables multiplemounting accessories in multiple positions.
 20. Claim 19, whereinacquisition of a full firing grip on the weapon prior to the draw ismade possible by the holster's design.